Top Ski & Snowboarding destinations
There is a firm chill in the air now and thoughts of impending snow will either send you running for the hills metaphorically, or send you running for the mountains with your skiing or snowboarding equipment. If you fall into the first category, you have our full sympathies, but here are a few great destinations for those in the latter.
This Swiss resort, famous for hosting the extreme Freeride World Tour, opened its winter season last week. While you can use the slopes for normal skiing and snowboarding, those with a burning desire to throw themselves off cliffs strapped to a snowboard can avail themselves of a class with a qualified instructor and one of the Freeride pros. Also on offer are ski lessons for adults and children or mountain guides for those who wish to explore. It’s now even easier to get to Verbier, due to the new Eurostar route to Switzerland.
The Brits Winter Festival, France
Running from 23rd-30th March in Tignes, this festival offers the perfect mix of music and winter sports. The festival package, costs from £279, includes seven nights’ accommodation, a six day Tignes ski lift pass, event pack, BRITS beanie hat and a festival wristband. As well as the mountain side ski and snowboarding slopes, the resort can offer a selection of nightlife, restaurants, bars, a pool with water chutes and even a spa. It would be near impossible to find yourself at a loose end during a stay at the Festival. 2013’s lineup has not been announced yet but previous acts have included Ben Howard, Bonobo and Pendulum.
With 145 kilometres of runs, 24 rustic ski huts and three adventure Snow Parks, this new resort promises an action-packed winter sports holiday. You don’t need to worry about the weather either as the resort have 300 snow guns which can be used to spread artificial snow if necessary. The three adventure parks each have a different theme; the Race and Boarder arena has areas for training, testing and lessons, as well as a speed track, Snow Park Alpbachtol features half-pipes and other equipment you can use to attempt stunts and tricks, regardless of your ability and the Snowboard Family Park is aimed more at children and families.
If you like to ski amongst breath-taking scenery, the imposing peaks of the Dolmiti district could be just the ticket. The upmarket town is packed full of designer boutiques so is also perfect for experiencing la dolce vita. Although the town is home to some great slopes, you’ll find that they are less populated than other European resorts due to the number of visitors who prefer to concentrate on the shopping and nightlife. While this is definitely a plus point for those wishing to immerse themselves in the skiing, be warned that the slopes are spaced out and you will need to use taxis to travel between them. For après ski, try the terrace of Il Meloncino al Camineto for views of the entire valley.
If you’re willing to travel further afield, Deer Valley in Utah is widely recognised as one of the best all-round ski resorts in the world. The resort has been designed to provide a luxurious and pampering experience for skiers, who want 4-star dining alongside their winter sports. Fireside dining at the Empire Canyon Lodge is unforgettable; where else can you move between five stone fire hearths, having food served to you from each? As well as skiing, visitors can follow the trail map, hire a snowmobile or take part in private races. Those less confident on the slopes can book lessons in the resort’s ski school. Obviously enough, a trip to Utah won’t come cheap but it will create some fantastic memories!
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